Dental professionals at Dental 1 Care share some great insights about this topic.

Pregnancy affects almost all aspect of a woman’s life, including your oral health. You might think oral health is an entirely different thing to worry about, but taking good care of your teeth and mouth is crucial during pregnancy. The changes you experience in your oral health are due to the surge in hormones, such as the increase in your progesterone and estrogen levels. These hormones can exaggerate the way your gum tissues react to the plaque.

Special Oral Health Concerns When You’re Pregnant

Tooth Erosion

If you are suffering from severe morning sickness, the enamel on the back of your front teeth can erode due to frequent vomiting. So if you are experiencing frequent morning sickness, you need to contact Dr. Fadi Farhat at Dental 1 Care immediately to learn how to prevent enamel erosion.

Gingivitis

During pregnancy, you may notice significant changes in your gums. When you brush your teeth, your gums can become red or even bleed. Also known as pregnancy gingivitis, these changes can happen as early as the second month and could last until the eighth month.

Common in the front of the mouth, pregnancy gingivitis has the same symptoms as the typical gingivitis. Their only difference is the cause. Because of the increase in the level of hormones during pregnancy, the growth of certain bacteria can be enhanced. Also, your immune system can work differently while you are pregnant, which alters how your body reacts to the bacteria that cause gingivitis.

Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to minimize the effects of pregnancy gingivitis. Aside from brushing twice daily and flossing every day, a Sterling Heights dentist also recommends using mouthwashes that don’t contain alcohol.

Dry Mouth During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women suffer from dry mouth. The best way to combat dry mouth is to drink plenty of water and use gum or hard candies to stimulate the secretion of saliva. Make sure that the candies or gum you consume contain xylitol because this helps reduce the destructive bacteria-causing cavities.

When to Visit a Dentist if you are pregnant

The best approach to good oral care is to see your dentist before getting pregnant for a cleaning and an examination. At this time, periodontal disease treatment can be done when necessary. During your pregnancy, it is best for you to visit your dentist during your second trimester. As much as possible, major procedures like surgery and reconstruction should be avoided until your baby is born.

If you need emergency dental treatment while you are pregnant, you can receive treatment when necessary to prevent an infection, ease your pain, or reduce the stress for you and your baby. Your dentist may consult your obstetrician and ask questions regarding the safety of anesthesia or medications.